Moises Caicedo has dealt a huge blow to Brighton after revealing he wants to leave the club amidst interest from Arsenal.
The Ecuador international have handed Arsenal a massive boost in their quest to secure his signature.
Caicedo’s future at the AMEX Stadium has been a subject of debate this month, with Arsenal and Chelsea keenly interested in his services.
Caicedo makes a swift u-turn
But despite the public interest in his services, the 21-year-old Ecuador midfielder revealed he was not interested in leaving a Brighton side that offers him the chance to play consistently every week.
However, just days after saying that, Caicedo has made a dramatic u-turn after learning about Arsenal’s rejected bid.
The Gunners submitted a £60 million for the former Beerschot V.A today but it was rejected by the Seagulls.
However, the bid appears to have turned Caicedo’s head and has pleaded with Brighton to let him join the Gunners for a club-record fee.
The Ecuador international, who also recently changed his representatives, urged the Seagulls to consider the offer as it is the biggest they ever received in their history.
“I am grateful to Brighton. I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club,” Caicedo said on his social media pages.
“I hope fans they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity,” he added.
De Zerbi wants Caicedo to stay
But despite Caicedo’s wish to leave, Brighton’s manager Roberto De Zerbi still hopes that his star midfielder will stay at the club, saying it will be difficult for the club to find a perfect replacement.
"The problem is never who you sell, the problem is who you want to buy,” De Zerbi said as per Football Daily.
Losing Caicedo will be a big blow for Brighton who had already lost Leandro Trossard to Arsenal this month.
Caicedo’s current deal with Brighton runs until 2025, having joined the club in 2021.
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